POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLAR - MARCINKIEWCZ LAB

A postdoctoral position is available immediately in the laboratory of Catherine Marcinkiewcz, Ph.D. at the University of Iowa. Research in the Marcinkiewcz lab focuses on unraveling neural circuit mechanisms underlying addiction and neurodegenerative disease and using multi-level approaches that include fiber photometry, patch-clamp electrophysiology, optogenetics and chemogenetics, spatial transcriptomics, and 3D imaging. We are interested in the role of serotonin systems in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and the intersection between AD and neuropsychiatric disorders. Highly enthusiastic and self-motivated individuals with a strong background in systems neuroscience, behavioral genetics, molecular mechanisms of disease and/or neuropharmacology are encouraged to apply.

We seek Postdoctoral Scholars interested in developing and leading projects in 3 main areas: (1) Central actions of serotonin in the neurobiology of alcohol and opioid dependence, 2) Neural circuits underlying the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, and 3) The role of biogenic amines in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. We are also interested in the translational potential of our findings and have several ongoing studies to validate our findings in humans. Funding is available for these positions, but we also encourage postdoctoral scholars to apply for extramural funding to build their CVs and grant-writing skills. Trainees will receive mentoring in grantsmanship, networking at scientific meetings, academic writing and presentation skills for future job talks and interviews.

The University of Iowa is located in Iowa City, Iowa which was recently ranked as one of the Best Places to Live according to Livability. Iowa City boasts a thriving downtown music, theatre and culinary scene, rich cultural diversity, affordable housing and a relatively low cost of living. Our lab is in the Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology in the Carver College of Medicine (CCOM), which is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Iowa City. We are also affiliated with the Iowa Neuroscience Institute (INI) which has a wealth of resources for budding young scientists. These include access to top notch facilities, close interaction with leaders in Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery, workshops and training programs for building grant-writing and interviewing skills, and ample funding opportunities for postdocs and graduate students. The INI has recently invested in a multi-photon system for in vivo and ex vivo biosensor imaging, a La Vision light sheet microscope, and miniature microscope systems for calcium imaging in awake, behaving animals. The interdisciplinary nature of our work means that we have close collaborations with investigators at CCOM in Psychiatry, Neurology, and Pathology, as well as with investigators in Psychology and Biology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS).

To learn more about us, see https://marcinkiewcz.lab.uiowa.edu/

Ph.D.

Applicants should have a track record of productivity and prior publications.

Excellent writing and communication skills.

Preference will be given to those who have expertise in neuroanatomy, small animal surgery, electrophysiology and behavioral pharmacology.

Prior working experience with rodent models.

Small animal stereotaxic surgery experience.

Experience in patch-clamp electrophysiology.

Experience with rodent behavioral assays and analysis.

Experience in molecular techniques such as RNAseq and in situ hybridization.

Experience in optogenetics, fiber photometry, or in vivo calcium imaging through endoscopic lenses.

To start the Online Application process for this position, click the "Apply for This Position" button located below the Contact Information.